ISIS Suffers Devastating Losses in Eastern Syria This Week

The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) has had a rough week in eastern Syria, as the loss of ground and men have demoralized their forces in the Homs, Al-Hasakah, and Deir Ezzor Governorates. The recent losses for ISIS marks the first time since ISIS’ emergence in Syria that they are on the defensive against both the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the People’s Protection Units (YPG) in certain areas; this has also caused issues for their militants fighting Iraq due to their forces stretching too thin.

East Homs:

The Syrian Arab Army captured the imperative Al-Sha’ar Gas Fields in eastern Homs, resulting in the SAA taking full control of the Palmyra-Homs Road that leads to the Deir Ezzor Governorate. The loss of Al-Sha’ar Gas Fields and their positions in the north will have a paramount effect on ISIS’ mobility in the desert area of Homs. According to a military source, over 200 ISIS fighters were killed at the battle of Al-Sha’ar Gas Fields, and over 60 of their militants surrendered to the SAA yesterday.

Al-Hasakah:

Perhaps the most ambiguous battlefield in Syria, the province of Al-Hasakah was a vital entry point for ISIS militants to the Iraqi city of Mosul in the Nineveh Governorate. ISIS’ attempt to take control of the YPG-held city of Ras Al-‘Ayn in Rif Al-Hasakah has proven difficult, as the latter has claimed the liberation of over 100 villages in west Al-Hasakah; this is due in large part to the Anti-ISIS Coalition airstrikes that have pounded ISIS positions in the province.

Currently, ISIS is on the defensive at the integral village of Tal Hamees, where the SAA and National Defense Forces (NDF) are currently besieging the area from the south, while the YPG independently attacks ISIS in the west.

Deir Ezzor:

Deir Ezzor was once an ISIS stronghold on the border of Iraq’s Al-Anbar Governorate; it has changed dramatically since their attempted besiegement of the Deir Ezzor Military Airport. Upon their failure to capture the crucial road to the airport, ISIS was forced to retreat further east due to the constant aerial bombardments from the Syrian Air Force. Overwhelmed and exhausted, ISIS has forestalled most attacks on SAA-controlled areas (Al-Sina’a is the most recent attack).

The Syrian Arab Army’s 104th Airborne Brigade of the Republican Guard has led its first offensive in the Deir Ezzor Governorate since the advent of this armed conflict in Syria. The offensive was geared to cutoff ISIS militants from the suspension bridges to the Deir Ezzor District and to recapture the strategic Sakr Island (Haweeja Sakr). According to a military source, the 104th Brigade controls 90 percent of Sakr Island and all 3 bridges leading to the island.

The identified ISIS fighters killed or captured/wounded in Deir Ezzor this week: